11 Khayelitsha men burst into the home of 22-year old, Noluvo Swelindawo, dragged her away, murdered her and left her body alongside the highway. The alleged motive: homophobia. Of 2,130 LGBTI South Africans surveyed, 41% responded that they knew of someone who was murdered due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. African leaders have, in various statements, implied that homosexuality was never part of African culture and is yet another Eurocentric idiosyncrasy foist upon African people. As a result, some of these leaders completely reject international Gay Rights proposals. Without proper legislative support, LGBTI people are subjected to ‘corrective rape’, marginalisation and many other hate crimes, including, as in the case of 22-year old, Noluvo Swelindawo, murder. We’ve seen how intolerant the world is to anyone who doesn’t match up to societies norms and standards. We are also witnessing a resurgence of conservatism, as proven by the American population’s vote for Donald Trump and Britain’s desire to leave the European Union. Does this mark the beginning of the end for interpersonal tolerance? In this episode, we discuss what can be done personally to become that change we wish to see in the world.
